28th July 2016, Wellington NZ – David Jones today officially opened its first international store in Wellington, New Zealand, marking a significant milestone in the department store’s 178-year history. The new look David Jones features a bold, contemporary store design and delivers an unrivalled mix of fashion and accessories brands to the Wellington, including International brands not previously stocked in New Zealand and the addition of a number of New Zealand labels to its stable.
Last night more than 150 VIPs joined New Zealand Prime Minister, Right Hon John Key at an exclusive event to celebrate the store’s arrival on Wellington’s ‘Golden Mile’, Lambton Quay. The Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative plaque and addressed the crowd, welcoming David Jones to the country’s thriving capital city.
This morning David Jones Ambassador Jessica Gomes cut the ribbon at the official opening of the premium retailer’s 41st store in front of a crowd of eager customers, joined by David Jones Chairman Ian Moir and David Jones Chief Executive Officer, John Dixon.
Commenting on the new store, Mr Dixon said, “We’re excited to offer our customers at David Jones Wellington a premium retail experience on par with the best department stores globally. We’ve worked hard to inject a level of ambience, excitement and experience into our design, store content, product assortment and services that will provide our customers New Zealand with a world class shopping experience.”
David Jones’ flagship New Zealand store occupies the heritage listed building that previously housed Wellington department store Kirkcaldie & Stains. Following a AUD$20+ million refurbishment, the new David Jones store features the same contemporary, internationally awarded design ethos that debuted at Eastland, Melbourne last year and has featured more recently at its new flagship store at Pacific Fair, Gold Coast. Upgrades include the addition of escalators, air conditioning and premium fixtures and finishings throughout. Also central to this design is enhancement of the customer experience with inspiring spaces and dynamic visual merchandising.
David Jones has expanded its range of New Zealand brands in line with the store opening to ensure local brands are well represented. New labels include Wellington-born label Twenty-Seven Names, popular women’s fashion labels Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester and Saben, and menswear brand Rodd & Gunn, all making their David Jones debut in Wellington. It will also offer New Zealand labels that are currently stocked in its Australian stores such as Sabatini and Trelise Cooper.
The department store also boasts a range international fashion brands including Camilla, CAMILLA AND MARC, Lover, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Anthony Squires; an extensive beauty assortment including new brands to Wellington Tom Ford, Benefit and Aesop; an unrivalled accessories offering including renowned international labels Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Valentino and Saint Laurent; and fine jewellery brands Kailis Pearls, Astley Clarke and Monica Vinader.
David Jones Wellington operates over three floors offering more than 500 brands across fashion, beauty, accessories and home and a premium café offering breakfast and lunch, providing the perfect place for customers to meet a friend for lunch or take a break whilst shopping.
David Jones Wellington also offers customers a range of services including personal shopping, available in the styling suite by appointment with a complementary glass of champagne, beauty services by appointment, a gift registry, complimentary Wi-Fi in-store and a parent’s room.